Discussion

Everyone wants to be understood when communicating with others. In an effective communication situation, "the message is perceived in the way it was intended" (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p. 23). Unfortunately, individuals may not always translate their thoughts successfully into the written or spoken word, which may result in conflict or confusion.

This unit's Learning Activities include helpful tips about honing word choice, determining whether formal or informal writing suits the occasion, and crafting the appropriate tone and voice. After completing the unit's Activities, respond to the following questions in at least two well-developed paragraphs:

• Use this discussion to help develop your learning community by introducing yourself and including information about your writing experiences and concerns. You may want to include details about your academic and professional goals and your experiences with online learning as well.

• Describe an example of effective writing that you have encountered either in a personal, professional, or academic setting. How does that example illustrate the qualities described in this unit's Learning Activities?

Hello All,

I am in my next to last term at Kaplan for my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice/Forensics. I am unsure exactly what I would like to do with my degree because I find so much of the Criminal Justice field interesting. I am hoping to intern with places until I find my fit. I am a Disnerd and fly back to Florida every chance I get to go to Disney and visit with my Grandma (I drag her with me to Disney). I just relocated to North Carolina just outside of Charlotte almost 2 months ago.

It has been an adjustment seeing as I was born and raised in Florida but the mountains are beginning to become a special place to me. My current job is booking flights for military, their family, and any person with military affiliation to fly from the US to Germany and vice versa. It is very easy work and enjoyable and I get to speak with all kinds of people. Being able to continue my degree online has been my saving grace because my hours are rather weird seeing as my company is based in Germany.

Since the company I work for is based in Germany the majority of the correspondence with coworkers and my boss are via email or messaging system. Despite the informal setting of a messaging system, you have to be very careful to still be professional. All correspondence needs to be professional and thought out. With any written correspondence, you don't have the luxury of seeing the person or hearing the tone of voice and have to rely on what is written.

Even in the informal setting of the messaging system you have to be clear and concise on what you are trying to convey because you do not want it taken out of context or being misconstrued. This can make for uncomfortable and unnecessary confrontations with the boss and other coworkers.